Le clicker training

Fun and entertaining dog training.

Were you also fascinated by the little firecrackers that jumped in all directions in your childhood? The clicker is a very similar device. Indeed, the operating principle is the same: when you press the clicker, it emits a soft clicking noise. Clicker training for dogs can be very effective.

Clicker training for dogs: what is it?

Clicker training has been used for years in dog training schools, for horses and even for cats and rodents to educate them and teach them tricks. The principle: the sound of the click is associated with a reward.

For the dog to truly understand the click signal as a positive signal, he must first become familiar with the noise and learn to perceive it as a reward.

How to start clicker training?

First of all, you need a clicker, some treats and an attentive dog. Then, the first step is to activate the clicker and give your dog a treat. Repeat this until the dog associates the sound of the clicker with receiving a treat. Make sure to always give treats so that your four-legged friend clearly understands that the click is a reward. Otherwise, the clicker loses its function as an amplifier. As soon as the dog perceives the click as a reward, clicker training can begin.

How to do clicker training?

Start with an exercise that your dog is good at, such as the “sit” command. Give your dog the command and click when the dog performs it correctly. The important thing is to get the timing right! The dog will see the click as a reward and will gradually get better at the exercise.

What can be achieved with dog clicker training?

Little by little, depending on your desires and moods, you can even teach him tricks with this method. You can also use it to stop him from barking , for example. With this method, any good behavior is positively reinforced and any bad behavior is simply ignored.

A word of advice : never force your dog to do specific exercises and stop your clicker training session as soon as your dog's attention wanes. Once your dog is familiar with the clicker, you can take it everywhere with you.

Good training.